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Had Revision Surgery and am checking in

Sorry that it has been awhile since I have posted. So this past fall, I had my revision surgery for flatback syndrome. The surgery was an A/P approach and I am now fused to pelvis. At this point, I am a little over 7 weeks post-op and doing quite well. That being said, I remain cautiously optimistic.

This was a very difficult decision for me to make. I had received multiple opinions from surgeons and even traveled out of town to do so. Although all of these surgeons agreed on the problem, their surgical approaches and solutions varied. I decided to use a surgeon in my area who had a great reputation and was covered by my insurance. He did not extend on my old Harrington Rod or remove it.

The main thing that made my decision easier is that I was able to speak with two of my surgeon's patients who had the revision surgery and had a similar history to me. These patients were both extremely positive about their post-op progress. I encourage anyone considering this surgery to get multiple opinions and see if you can speak to other patients. Back in the 80's when I had my first fusion, the spine center that I went to had a support group made up of former patients and this was very helpful.

I am now walking and climbing stairs. I still have the numbness in my right foot that I had before the surgery, but my understanding is that now there is a chance that this can get better. I have been told by my surgeon that it can take up to one year to get sensation back and there is no guarantee, but it should not get any worse. When I walk outdoors, I use a walking stick, as it helps with balance issues. Yesterday, I swam for the first time post-op and had no issues or pain as a result. I have sort of a generalized weakness which I am not surprised by considering my age and the amount of surgery that I had. I continue to work on getting my strength back.

I have very much appreciated this forum throughout the whole process. It was helpful to hear other people's stories and to know that I was not alone in this process. In that spirit, I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Thanks and...

Originally Posted by Spinals

Sounds like you are doing really well after only 7 weeks

Thanks. I think so. I am still on the prescription pain meds but am weaning off. The first part of my recovery seemed to go really fast, but this part, getting a normal level of energy back seems to be going slower. Also, acknowledge the many advances in surgical techniques and medications since my first spine fusion in the 80's. Still it was a lot of surgery. Feel lucky and glad to be on the other side of it!

Do try to take things easy.....one day at a time. Healing comes in time....

Hot water soaks help with the pain....it was crucial for my weaning. I "replaced" meds with nutrients, through whey protein powder smoothies. Nutrient deficiency in recovery happens to us after serious surgery, its never something to neglect which can happen when taking opoid's.....The smoothies became my new "sippin whiskey", small amounts through out the day....

Thanks!

Thanks for healing tips...

Originally Posted by titaniumed

You Harrington guys are such troopers.....Congratulations!

Do try to take things easy.....one day at a time. Healing comes in time....

Hot water soaks help with the pain....it was crucial for my weaning. I "replaced" meds with nutrients, through whey protein powder smoothies. Nutrient deficiency in recovery happens to us after serious surgery, its never something to neglect which can happen when taking opoid's.....The smoothies became my new "sippin whiskey", small amounts through out the day....

For convenience, go frozen on the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, its easier and they last longer.

Ed

Thanks Ed. Appreciate the smoothie recipe. Sounds really healthy and good. I agree about the importance of diet. I find myself craving more protein type foods including meat since the surgery. Also, thanks for the other good tips about recovery. I may try the hot water soaks.

A big priority for me is working on balance since I still have some foot numbness. I have a healthy fear of falling which comes from having a bad fall years ago.

I agree that people with Harrington rods are troopers. That being said, I think a lot of people on this forum including yourself, who manage this condition, whether they have had surgery or not, are also troopers.